Camp Director: Nancy Weckel, B.S.N., R.N.  Nancy is the Founder of Camp Opehay and the Youth Bipolar Foundation of Northern California (YBFNC).  Since 2002 she has been studying pediatric bipolar disorder, developing camp and the YBFNC. Nancy especially enjoys her time working with children and adolescents diagnosed with this illness, and supporting and educating the family unit.  Her vision and goal is to improve the lives of those affected by pediatric bipolar disorder. Through Nancy’s volunteer work, she strives to raise community awareness and support for this understudied, misunderstood and devastating childhood brain disorder.

   

Medical Director: Dr. Kiki Chang, M.D.  Dr. Chang is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Child Psychiatry.  He is Director of the Pediatric Bipolar Disorders Program, where he and his lab conduct bipolar disorder research, including neuroimaging, genetics, and psychotherapy and medication trials.  Dr. Chang also specializes in pediatric psychopharmacology and the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. Since Camp Opehay’s inception in 2005, he generously volunteers his time, support, and expertise to Camp Opehay and the YBFNC.  Dr. Chang is instrumental in developing the camp curriculum and promoting the program throughout the year.  At camp, Dr. Chang provides medical and psychiatric care as needed to the camp community.  He also acts as the unofficial director of basketball operations.  For more information about Dr. Chang and studies Stanford University is currently conducting please visit: http://pediatricbipolar.stanford.edu.

   

Medical Director: Dr. Shashank Joshi, M.D., F.A.A.P.  Dr. Joshi is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Child Psychiatry.  He is Director of the AD/HD Clinic, and of the School-based Mental Health Services in the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Pediatrics.  Dr. Joshi’s teaching and research interests focus on increasing knowledge and enhancing effectiveness of pediatric psychopharmacology interventions.  Dr. Joshi has been with camp since 2005, and he actively volunteers his time, support, and expertise to Camp Opehay and the YBFNC throughout the year.  Dr. Joshi is influential in developing the camp curriculum and promoting the program throughout the year.  At camp, Dr. Joshi provides medical and psychiatric care to the camp community as needed.  His kind, gentle demeanor, and calming interactions make everyone feel secure and relaxed.  For more information about Dr. Joshi please visit: http://med.stanford.edu/profiles/Shashank_Joshi/

   

Clinical Director: Meghan Howe, M.S.W.  As the camp's Clinical Director, Meghan works with the team of Directors throughout the year planning and organizing camp, and leads, trains, and supports the entire counseling staff prior to, and during camp.  Additionally, while at camp Meghan works directly with our campers in informal group sessions (“Talk with Meg”), and provides extra supportive care and attention to campers as needed. Meghan is also the Clinical Research Manager for the Stanford University Pediatric Bipolar Disorders Program.  She manages and assists in all aspects of clinical data acquisition and analysis for the renowned Stanford program.  Meghan is an expert clinician in pediatric bipolar disorder and passionate about educating, and working alongside, children and adolescents with this illness as well as their families.  Meghan has had an active and vital role in developing camp and its curriculum since it’s beginning. Meghan is a much beloved staff member.  Camp O. is thrilled to have her on our team!  For more information about Meghan Howe please visit: http://pediatricbipolar.stanford.edu.

   

Infirmary Directors: Sally and Dan Cooper, R.N.  Sally and Dan Cooper are registered nurses from the Sonora, California area.  They are knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.  Sally and Dan enthusiastically volunteer their time and expertise managing the operations of the Camp Infirmary and were instrumental in the development of the camp program.  Our team has been extremely fortunate to have this dynamic couple take on this enormous responsibility each year we have had camp.

 

   

 

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